The lobby doors had barely shut behind me before a receptionist and a guard flanked me. Did I need a cab driver paid? A car taken to the executive lot? A coffee? A cold drink perhaps—it was quite warm today. Was I here to see my father? Was there anyone else they could call for me? Would I like a member of the clerical staff on hand for my visit?

Paige urges me to find the humor in this, and it is almost sublimely ridiculous. But I can’t laugh it off—at the root of it is my father’s biggest machination, his grandest scheme: naming me heir.

By naming as his successor the only son who does not want the job, he ensures peace among my three brothers, and safety for himself. The latter says something about his relationship with them—and the real possibility that they would commit patricide to hasten their inheritance. It is a truth my father recognizes. Name me heir, and my brothers must stay their hands and work hard, hoping to persuade the board of directors that they would run the company successfully, should the board wish to exercise its influence on my father and convince him to change his inheritance plans.

Where does that leave me? In the worst situation of all, made worse by my father’s refusal to acknowledge that this is a ruse at all. I have asked—once even pleaded—for him to admit, just to me, that it’s a political ploy. He will not.

The receptionist fell back to her station as the guard escorted me to the executive elevator. That was awkward for all. Considering my anti-Cabal efforts, my guide might look more like an armed escort, though he was only trying to accord me due respect.

The dilemma was resolved when the parking garage elevator opened and out stepped my half-brother, William. On seeing me, he hesitated, as if considering his chances of hastily retreating. Normally, I’d have let him go, but given the choice between discomfiting the guard or William, I decided my brother could handle it.

“William, how are you?” I walked forward, hand extended.

Every employee in the lobby had stopped to watch.

“Lucas.”

He gave my hand a fleeting shake.

“I was just going upstairs to speak to Father. If you were headed that way, we can ride up together.”

He couldn’t escape gracefully, so he said, “Yes, of course.”

The guard relinquished me to him.